SmallBusinessNewz

The average Black Friday corresponds to around-the-store lines before the sun rises.  Now, of course, we seem to be in a recession, but that may make November 28th an even more profitable time for every business that has something to sell.

Insane deals tend to get people moving on Black Friday, and folks who would prefer to get some sleep may join the mobs due to their financial situation.  Like major retailers, you can try to draw them in by offering big discounts on a few items, and then see what else they spend while they're in the store.

Another option is to attempt to simply leech off the overall atmosphere.  So long as you're open on Black Friday, people may assume that something interesting is going on, or stop by as long as they're out spending money, anyway.  A "light" sale will give you the excuse to put up signs or otherwise advertise.

It's important to participate in some way.  Phil Rist, Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at BIGresearch, stated in a National Retail Federation release, "If consumers have been waiting for the best deals possible, their wait is over.  Even though consumers will be watchful of their spending this year, shoppers may find the bargains too good to pass up and will treat themselves to something they've had their eye on for months."

Just be sure to keep lots of coffee (and maybe some crowd barriers) on hand for yourself and any employees.